18 Ways to Build Self-Confidence (Part 1)

Tough Decisions that WILL Transform Your Life

I once jumped off a crane wearing only ankle straps. I was only 18, and it probably wasn’t safe. Spontaneously doing risky things in a foreign country isn’t a great long-term confidence building strategy.

Here are some healthy ways you can build self-confidence.

18 Confidence Building Decisions

Decision #1: Take Risks, Fail, Get up

When you fail, get rejected, or embarrassed, and still choose to believe in yourself, you’re really growing. Decide today what 2 scary things you are going to do tomorrow. Make the phone call, ask for the sale, sign up for the class, call up that friend from the past, or meet someone new. Your confidence grows as you are vulnerable.

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Get out and get busy. – Dale Carnegie

Decision #2: Maintain Boundaries with Others

When you maintain boundaries with others, your confidence increases. If someone violates a boundary you have established, kindly push back. Stay true to yourself.

Decision #3: Keep Boundaries with Yourself

If you make a commitment to yourself, do whatever you can to keep it. For example, if you commit to getting up at 6am or going to the gym, keep your promise to yourself. Each time you do, your confidence grows.

Decision #4: Know Yourself

You cannot fully be yourself until you fully know yourself. Figure out what you really enjoy. Explore new hobbies. Journal your thoughts and feelings consistently. Meet new people. Explore new passions.

Decision #5: Deal With Your Past

Deal with your stuff. You cannot heal something that you deny. Many of my clients have experienced freedom from accepting and dealing with their past. Join a support group. Hire a great therapist. Create a timeline of your life experiences and see what comes up.

Decision #6: Put Yourself First

Unhealthy people put the needs of others ahead of their own. They do this because they fear they could be rejected if they say “no”. This is co-dependency. Take time for self-care. Buy yourself something nice. Splurge. You’re worth it.

Decision #7: Be Grateful

Choose to focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have. When you need a boost, go to gratitude.

Decision #8: Express Your Emotions

Identify how you feel, why you feel that way, and what you need. Kindly tell others. Be assertive. Have the courage to be emotionally honest.

Decision #9: Trust God

I attend Al Anon meetings. Step 3 of the 12 steps states, “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” Choose to trust that no matter what, you WILL make it through.

Your daily decisions build or rebuild your self-confidence. Make 1 courageous decision by the end of the day today.

Adam Gragg is a corporate trainer, life coach, and mental health therapist. He is skilled at helping workplace teams thrive. He specializes in life transitions, career issues, family counseling, and helping people overcome anxiety and depression. Contact Adam here if interested in seeing how he can help you and/or your team thrive.

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